CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
WINTER / SPRING 2024
Your participation makes the Arts Center successful! Thank you!
We welcome newcomers and look forward to seeing familiar faces at our classes, activities and programs.
Join the fun!
Sign up early to reserve a spot in classes that require preregistration.
OVERBOOKED: DISCUSSION GROUP for BIBLIOPHILES
Sunday, March 3
4 pm
by donation
This year's exploration of literature will be based on books of EPIC ADVENTURE in the historical non-fiction AND local history genres. Our March 3 reading selection will be the compelling true story of the 1890 journey of intrepid "stunt reporter" Nellie Bly who set a record traveling 25,000 miles around the globe and wrote Around the World in 72 Days. From the age of 19, the author was a pioneer in investigative journalism. A western-Pennsylvania native---she lived in Pittsburgh and attended what is now Indiana University of PA--Bly was an influential writer and an inspiring woman. Join the discussion about Nellie Bly and Around the World in 72 Days. See photos and learn more: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/learn/women-forging-the-way/nellie-bly-around-the-world/
Each month, a new individual will moderate our discussion and lay the groundwork for additional book discussions. Everyone is invited to read to book (or skim it), perhaps see the movie, and join a lively discussion. Come share some literary good times!
CONTEMPLATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
SATURDAY: JANUARY 20
10 am - 3 pm
Lunch break: on your own
$35 (writing scholarships available)
Veronica Corpuz is an interdisciplinary poet who explores themes of grief, loss and identity through mixed media and photography. A member of the Madwomen in the Attic of Carlow University, she co-curates with Sarah Williams-Devereux Mad Bookends, featuring poetry, fiction and nonfiction by women writers of color. She also contributes book reviews and literary profiles to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Through guided imagery and generative writing prompts, participants will excavate memories and dreams to germinate seeds of authenticity and truth telling. The workshop is a portal for reflection and creative expression, quieting the mind and body to exercise deep listening and presence.
Pre-registration requested. Sign up at info@confluencecreativearts.org or
text 724-562-3861 to reserve a spot in Veronica Corpuz's workshop. A payment link in the "click here" button above.
MEDITATION MONDAYS
MONDAY EVENINGS
6:30 - 8:00 pm
by donation
New and seasoned meditators are warmly welcome for an evening of mindfulness, silence, stillness, and rest. The evening will begin with brief secular, mindfulness meditation instructions led by Shambhala Meditation guide Judd Evans. This will be followed by relaxed periods of meditation and some informal group discussion about the experience. These gatherings are especially helpful for those with good intentions to meditate who somehow never get around to doing it! With the support of a regular mindfulness evening, a consistent practice can be developed. All are welcome.
Dress comfortably. Cushions and chairs will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. If possible, arrive a little early.
FESTIVAL OF SCROLLING PANORAMIC ART
Saturday, FEBRUARY 24, 2024
6:30 Community Potluck/ Meet the Artists
7 pm showtime
by donation
Plan to be part of the magic! Crankies are a traditional form of entertainment that combines traditional music, stories, or poetry with back-lit art which is scrolled through a viewing box. We are pleased to host a gathering of some of the country's most acclaimed crankie performance artists for a show that will take you on a journey bright and magical. New this year: delightful and imaginative PUPPET ARTS!
CONSIDER SUPPORTING THIS EVENT by SPONSORING AN ARTIST. Due to the pandemic, we are encouraging the support of our performing artists. Your generous donation allows us to help artists travel to our community and be compensated for their performances. Your donation allows the Arts Center to develop one the best crankie shows ever seen! In the past, all shows have been "by donation" allowing access to all, regardless of ability to pay. This is part of our mission, and your support allows us to continue to be a Trail Town Community with HeART! 💛. THANK YOU!
LEARN FERMENTING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28
1 - 3 pm
$15
preregistration required
Stacy Tressler will lead this workshop on fermented beverages. Participants will learn about and sample fermented foods and beverages and make water kefir, an easy-to-make drink that is produced from kefir grains. Water kefir is a probiotic carbonated beverage that has many health benefits. Come learn about the process and take home a fizzy, flavorful, gut-friendly beverage. For questions about the content of the class, contact Stacy at (814) 521-5987. Preregister at info@confluencecreativearts.org and pay by clicking the "click here" button above.
KIDS' VALENTINES
WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 10 ( TIME TBD)
$5
Share the love! Kids are inviteed to join our Valentine craft class to creat e a special project for someone they love. Flower farmer and educator Mallory Secher will lead the class and kids are sure to have a sweet and fun time!
Please preregister.
MUSIC & DANCE SERIES
MAY 2 - 3 (Richard Sleigh)
Other performers coming soon..!
All ages and abilities
by donation
We're bringing the world to Confluence this winter and spring. Don't miss opportunities to interact with some of Pennsylvania's performers who have global influences!
RICHARD SLEIGH: A PA native, Richard grew up in a coal mining community but has traveled the world playing an eclectic array of music on the harmonicas he builds. Richard will teach a harmonica workshop and present an evening performance featuring tunes with a global influence.
With appreciation for support from the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance and the 1889 Foundation.
POWER YOGA WITH BRYNN
WEDNESDAYS: 2024 sessions coming soon
6 pm - 7:15 pm
$10 minimum donation per session
Power Yoga uses the breath to guide each pose through a flowing vinyasa-style practice that incorporates standing postures, hip and shoulder-opening poses, back bends, forward folds and twists. This is an all-levels, well-rounded practice that infuses total-body strengthening with coordination, balance and flexibility. Modifications and variations will be given to suit every body. Bring your own yoga mat.
COME CREATE / SIP 'N STITCH
Fourth Tuesday of each month /
Winter sessions subject to change in location or time
Time 6 pm
by donation
If you knit, crochet, quilt, sew, or need, you'll enjoy an opportunity to work on your individual projects in good company and enjoy tea or refreshments and good conversation. Come Create provides a time and place for starting a new project, finishing an old one, getting inspired, or getting how-to advice. Participants may periodically have opportunities to work on a group project together, such as the community quilt projects. Contact the Arts Center to request to be on the email or text message contact list to receive reminders of meeting times.
FIDDLEHEADS & FOLK SONGS!
Watch for dates and times posted on Instagram and Facebook
6 pm
by donation
Bring a stringed instrument for monthly old-time jam session. First half hour is a slow jam geared for developing musicians. The slow jam will segue into a lively tune session for experienced musiicans. Everyone welcome to play or listen! No preregistration required.
ECO-ART CAMP (SEE OUR CAMP PAGE FOR DETAILS)
Session 1: Watch for 2024 dates and details.
Session 2 : Watch for 2024 dates and details.
Ages 6+ - 14
$50 / family
Eco-Art Day camps promise lots of hands-on, outdoor engagement for kids! We'll unplug from devices and tune into the outdoors with projects and activities that promise lots of creative expression + environmental education. Kids will build, paint, make, swim, sing, play, hike, and handle critters! Tons of fun in a supportive and community-centered setting. See the Summer Day Camp page on this website for more details.
STORY TIME!
TUESDAYS: June 20, 27 -- July 11, 18, 25
10 - 11:30 pm
Ages 2 - 8
Free books and lunch available
by donation
Story Time is a special morning of stories, games, and crafts just for kids. No preregistration is required for kids to drop by to listen to a read-aloud book and participate in activities that are fun and educational. Parentsor guardians may drop off kids or are welcome to stay and lend a hand or support their young reader/artists.
Free books and other reading incentives will often be available for kids to take home. A pick-up lunch will be available to all participants at the Confluence Community Center (not the Arts Center) after each Story Time.
GONE...BYE-BYE!
Sorry we missed you at these awesome classes.
Check out our PHOTO PAGE to enjoy highlights of these activities!
We LOVE to offer new classes every season. If you have an idea for a class you'd like to teach, reach out and let us know!
FROGTOWN UKESTRA
Jan. 19, 26 / Feb. 2,9,16, 23 / Mar. 2
Jump into something fun and exciting in our corner of Confluence, once known for its croaky frogs! We'll be strumming and humming and singing and making a musical splash! Kids AND adults interested in learning to play the ukulele are encouraged to join our community ukestra! It's a perfect family endeavor!
-8 weeks of group instruction geared for all levels from beginners to advanced players
-Play and/or sing with the group. -Fun tunes: folk / traditional -Final showcase performance on March 10.
-Ukuleles are provided or bring your own
FABRIC COLLAGE CLASS
July 28
Fabric Collage is an opportunity for both new and experienced sewists to create an artistic fabric collage. Barbara Lincoln will share her experience in seeing to show how to stitch raw scaps to batting and backing to create a work of textile art. Enjoy this fun experience with a friend at this special Come Create program. PRE-REGISTRATION is requested in order for materials to be ready. Contact Barbara directly for questions or to reserve a spot in the class: forkcsj@yahoo.co.uk or text 814-442-2768
LANTERN PARADE & ART IN THE PARK
August 5
Come on out and get creative at Confluence’s drop-by day-of-art-making! Kids, teens, and old geezers are invited to stop by and paint, print, craft, and create at multiple craft stations suitable for all ages and abilities. We'll be celebrating Confluence's 150th Anniversary with extra-special, family-friendly arts and crafts with a nod to our town's history.
POSTCROSSING: INTERNATIONAL POSTCARD EXCHANGE
January 22 and March 19
Be part of the first-ever Confluence Postcrossing meetup! Postcrossing is an international postcard exchange organization with over 800,000 participants in 207 countries. Over 70 million postcards have been exchanged. Stop by to sign up and learn how you can send and receive postcards to folks all over the world! We'll showcase the cards that are received and meet again on March 19. We'll discuss how Confluence might be a meetup location for international Postcrossers who want to visit our area. More info about Postcrossing can be found here:
https://www.postcrossing.com/about or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcrossing
CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP
August 11
Cyanotype printing is one of the oldest forms of photographic printing processes. It uses UV light to create a cyan-blue image after treated paper is exposed to the sun. Workshop participants can bring flowers, lace, and other flat items that will be placed under glass for the process resulting in a unique cyanotype work of art. This is a partially-outdoor activity for all ages.
BE A CRANKIE PERSON: ADULT WORKSHOP
February 6, 13, 20
Interested in learning how to make a crankie? Attend one or all of these workshop sessions where you'll learn the behind-the-scenes steps involved in designing and performing a scrolling panoramic crankie. We'll share resources, explain design ideas, and provide advice that you can use to make your own crankie. You can start your project at the workshop and complete it at home. Participants may have an opportunity to perform their crankie at the Festival for Scrolling Panoramic Arts or an open stage show at the Arts Center.
CRANKIE KIDS: ART & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
January 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 16, 23 and 25
Kids and teens who live in or near the Confluence region are invited to participate in a collaborative crankie-making project. Over the course of the sessions, participants will work together to help create the artwork for a really giant crankie! Participants will also develop a performance that will include singing and shadow puppetry. The sessions will culminate in presenting the crankie at this year's Festival of Scrolling Panoramic Arts on February 25.
Kids must attend at least four sessions and a rehearsal in order to be part of the final show. Parents must attend a brief orientation meeting at the beginning of the first session.
GELATIN PRINTING
December 18
Just in time for the holiday season! Print handmade cards or artistic gifts by learning how to make gelatin prints. Eddie "Spaghetti" Maier will teach this class and provide all the materials and instruction needed to successfully create beautiful works of art. No experience needed! Gelatin prints are created using a pan of Knox gelatin which is inked up with water-based ink. This spontaneous printing process creates unique prints using leaves and other elements of nature.
ECO-ART CAMP
June 28 - July 16
Eco-Art camps promise environmental fun and creative explorations for kids aged 7 - 14. Kids can participate in three different weeklong camps each with a different focus: CLAY, PUBLIC ART, ENVIRONMENTAL ART. Led by environmental artist and educator Ashely Kyber, each camp will incorporate engaging hands-on activities with information about ecology and nature. Kids will dig clay, paint, make forts, get muddy, and enjoy outdoor activities! (Indoor programs are planned if the weather is inclement.)
HOOTENANNY: VARIETY / NO-TALENT SHOW
January 2021
Chuckle! giggle! guffaw! snort! Hee, hee, hee!
We're launching into the New Year with a variety show that guarantees to deliver belly laughs and knee-slapping fun. Plan to be part of the show or part of the lively audience. Expect to see short comedy skits of every stripe! Family-friendly walk-on acts encouraged.
HOMESCHOOLERS HAVE HeART
Second and Fourth Wednesdays September - May
1 - 2:30 / $6 per student
Young artists are invited to gather for hands-on fun at a socially-distanced art class geared for students who are online, remote, or homeschooling. We'll meet twice a month on Wednesdays starting at 1 pm. Jody Best will instruct kids aged 5 to 14 in a variety of arts and craft projects. We'll make a glorious mess and have lots of fun with creative explorations! Kids should bring their own smocks or aprons.
TINTYPE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO SESSION
July 18 - 19, 2020
Photos $65 - $115
The Arts Center is pleased to invite you to a unique opportunity initiated by our good friends at the RIVERSIDE ANTIQUE MALL in Confluence. Schedule a PHOTO SESSION with acclaimed tintype photographer Joseph W. Brown or stop by to see the process and shop for vintage treasures.
What's tintype? Tintype photography originated in the mid-1800's and allowed photographers to quickly process images onto thin sheets of metal. The images of the Civil War were captured by famous tintype photographer Matthew Brady. The shallow depth of field and distinctive tones characterize each photograph and are still appreciated today.
PICKIN' and PICNICING
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Break out the picnic basket and join us at the bandstand in Confluence for a family-friendly September afternoon of listening, picking, and picnicking. The Sumac Pickers will have your toes tapping to country and bluegrass favorites. Musicians Hannah Standiford and John Bagnato will keep the music sweet and spirted...just the thing for this season! Don't miss the fun. Musicians are invited to bring along their instruments for an impromptu jam session after the show. Socially-distanced good times!
BEGINNING KNITTING:
SOCIALLY-DISTANCED INSTRUCTION
August 30, 2020
2-4 pm
$30
It's a great time to learn to knit, a relaxing hobby you can start during a pandemic and enjoy for a lifetime! Learn all the basics needed to complete a simple project. Learn how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. Participants will be provided with a knit kit containing everything needed to complete a simple project such as a scarf or washcloth. Avalon Folmsbee is a patient and enthusiastic teacher, and this class will be a fun way to end the summer getting ready for winter with a warm, hand-knit woolen that you can be proud to have made!
BLUEGRASS JAM @ THE BANDSTAND
July 11, 2020
4 pm
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and stake out your socially-distanced space around the bandstand in Confluence to listen to live bluegrass, country, and gospel music performed by Jerry Yeager, Radford Vance, Michele Vance, and others. Enjoy a picnic in the park and some toe-tappin' tunes!
CRANKIE FEST and POTLUCK
Saturday, February 9
Potluck at 6:30 followed by crankie show at about 7 pm
by donation
Crankies are a traditional form of entertainment that combines traditional music, stories, or poetry with back-lit art which is scrolled through a viewing box. We are pleased to host a gathering of crankie performance artists from around the region for a show that will take you on a journey bright and magical. We welcome crankie artists from around the region and encourage and welcome those who would like to try to make a crankie and share their efforts. Check out www.thecrankiefactory.com for information about this art form.
Also...bring an art trading card or two or three to swap and collect. (More information about artist trading cards can be found online at www.atcsforall.com/. Check out Pinterest for ideas!)
THE CRANKIE FEST WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SONG SESSION ON SUNDAY, FEB 10 from 1 to 3 pm! EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN THE GROUP FOR SINGING AND SOCIALIZING.
CONFLUENCE LITERARY SOCIETY
First Monday of the month
1 pm at the TURKEYFOOT LENDING LIBRARY
please call Joyce Tressler for book details: (814)395-3817
Extra, extra...read all about it! Join Confluence’s book club for a variety of literary activities. Each meeting will include a monthly book discussion. Other activities may include discussion of universal themes in literature, trading of surprise books, writing and reading poetry, book critiques and more.
UKELELE WORKSHOPS
Wed., September 6 (school workshop and evening jam session)
Wed., October 4 (school workshop and evening jam session)
Wed., November 8 (school workshop and evening jam session)
Sat., December 2 (All-day workshops and evening showcase and concert)
The Arts Center has teamed up with the masterful musicians of Simple Gifts and the students of Turkeyfoot Area School District to spread some ukelele love! Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon--will present a series of workshops for students (during the day) and for all ages and abilities (in the evening). Check ‘em out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu_8YMWJZc0 Ukes are inexpensive, easy to play, and fun, fun, fun! The workshop series will culminate with a potluck concert and performances on Saturday, December 2! This program is made possible in part through the generous and fantastic Earl and Jeanne Berkey Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the support of the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance/PA Council on the Arts.
TODDLER TIME: COLORFUL CONNECTIONS!
Thursday, October 12
Thursday, October 26
Thursday, November 16
Thursday, November 30
10:30 – 11:30
$3 per child aged 2 – 4 (no charge for infants)
Join Ms. Jeanie Couchman for fun and games that will engage and amuse preschoolers. Kids love Ms. Jeanie, an experienced preschool teacher. Children aged two to four are invited to bring their Mommy, Daddy, or caregiver to Toddler Time for hands-on art projects, singing, stories and more. Through creative projects and activities, little artists will develop fine motor skills, focus, and communication skills. Adults will enjoy interacting with their children and other parents while kids explore all sorts of colorful connections! Infant siblings are welcome at no charge.
PRINTMAKING: LINO-CUT PRINTING
Friday, December 16
5 pm - 9 pm
class fee $30 (includes materials)
Learn printmaking from one of the region’s finest teachers and artists. Eddie “Spaghetti” Maier is back by popular demand to lead a workshop in linoleum printing. Plan on making your Christmas cards or other works of art to use as gifts or to proudly hang in your own home. Student will learn how to create and print an image. Limited class size...PREREGISTER TODAY to reserve your spot.
CONCERT & POTLUCK FEATURING PEREGRINE ROAD
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
SOUP, SALAD, AND SWEETS POTLUCK starts at 6 pm...SHOW starts at 7 pm
Suggested donation $10
The acclaimed Peregrine Road group consists of Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell who perform energetic Celtic reels, heartbreakingly beautiful waltzes, mesmerizing French village dance tunes, lively originals, elegant English country dance tunes, tasty blues riffs, and more. Outrageous travel stories and interesting tidbits about multicultural traditions add both an educational and entertaining dimension to each concert. The evening will begin with a soup, salad, and sweets potluck at 6 pm where the community is invited to socialize and visit with the performers prior to the 7 pm show. There is also a free family magic show scheduled for 2 pm on Sunday, September 10, so spend the day and evening at the Arts Center for non-stop entertainment!
MAKE-A-SCENE PLAYERS (Kids Acting Up)
present....
CHARLOTTE’S WEB!
Rehearsals Monday evenings beginning SEPTEMBER 11
Bulldozer week (intense rehearsals/tech/set) NOV. 6 -10
PLAY PERFORMANCE: Sat., Nov. 11, Sun., Nov. 12, Mon., Nov.13
5:30 - 8:30 pm
$40 participation fee includes script cost
Salutations! The Make-A-Scene Players, our community’s youth theater group, is bringing one terrific pig to Confluence. Students may attend the information session with their parents on September 11 to be cast for a role in this fall’s show. Kids aged 5 to 18 are invited to participate. Everyone gets an important part! The Make-A-Scene Players is a supportive and welcoming organization which provides opportunities for kids to develop their acting skills, become more confident, learn cooperation, and be part of something big and fun! Participants must be available for ALL rehearsals and performances.
YOUNG MASTERS ARTISTS SERIES
Third Thursday of the month
September 14, October 19, November 16, December 21
5:30 – 7:30 pm
$6 per student
preregistration required
Youthful artists will explore the world of master artists with activities, amazing historical information, and--best of all-- HANDS-ON ART INSTRUCTION. The class is geared for students 5 to 15, and the individual art projects are suitable for a range of ages and abilities. Everyone learns and everyone has a creative and engaging experience.
PUMPKIN FEST!
THE FINE ART OF PUMPKIN CARVING & FREE MAGIC SHOW!
Saturday, October 7
11 am - 4 pm
light up at dark
The Arts Center is where you’ll find the largest patch of pumpkins during Confluence’s famous Pumpkin Fest. For family fun or individual expression, stop by a pick out a free pumpkin to carve. Scary or silly, happy or or hideous...come make a face with your friends. It’s a great way to spend a little festival time. Be sure to stop back at dark when we light up the night with the county’s greatest display of Jack o’ lanterns! A special feature this year: a strolling magic show for all ages from 2 to 4 pm!
FREE MAGIC SHOW!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
2 pm
FREE, FREE, FREE!
Abracadabra! Family fun for FREE! The Laurel Highlands Magic Club will be doing a promotional video of their magician members. They are opening up their show to the community and offering kids to be part of the amazing show. The afternoon will be filled with comedy, magic, and mentalism. Come with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of amazement!
TRAIL TOWN QUILT SHOW & MOST AWESOME BAKE SALE
WITH FIBER ARTIST SHOWCASE
Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22
10 am - 4 pm (Saturday hours)
1 pm - 4 pm (Sunday hours)
by donation
Fall colors means it’s time for colorful quilts! Confluence has an active group of quilters and textile artists, and our Trail Town Quilt Show means everything good will be found at the Arts Center on Saturday, October 10: chocolate, colors, cookies, quilts, music and you! Our big fundraising bake sale will feature a room full of treats from the area’s best cooks. Stock up on pies, breads, cakes, and your favorite goodies, then feast your eyes on a display of quilts made by area textile artists. Vote for your favorite quilt, enjoy some quiet background music, and appreciate the good things in life. Quilts must be entered by October 1. For information about entering a quilt in any category, please contact Amy Childers at achilders54@gmail.com
STAINED GLASS
Friday, November 3
6 pm - 9 (or so) pm
class fee
Just in time for the holiday season, Diane Bauerle will teach the fundamentals of working with stained class. Beginning students will learn how to cut and solder glass and have an opportunity to make an ornament or sun-catcher—a perfect gift. More experienced students can use the materials and tools to create a small project of their choice. Class size is limited. Please preregister early.
NEEDLE TATTING
Tuesday, August 22
6:30 - 8 pm
fee TBD (less than $10)
Learn a craft from the past! Nancy Enscoe works in a variety of mediums and has offered to teach students how to do needle tatting. Needle tatting is done by using thread to make rings and chains which form lovely ornaments and decorations. Tatting was once used for lace-making, and there are lots of ideas (see Pinterest!) for using tatting today! Please contact the arts center to preregister. confluencecreativeartscenter@verizon.net